Is a good-faith exam required before treatment in California, and can it be done by telehealth?

Required; in-person exam mandatory before treatment Not allowed for initial aesthetic treatment visits

California · Strict

Good-Faith Exam Rules for Med Spas in California

The good-faith exam (GFE) is the legal gate before any injectable or device treatment. California's rules on who performs it — and whether it can happen over telehealth — directly affect how you schedule and staff.

By Evan at Inside MedSpa

Is a good-faith exam required

Required; in-person exam mandatory before treatment

Can the exam be done by telehealth

Not allowed for initial aesthetic treatment visits

Who can perform the exam vs. the injection

MD/DO, NP/PA under physician supervision, RN under physician delegation

What to verify in California

Verify physician supervision requirements and ensure compliance with California's strict corporate practice of medicine doctrine before opening.

Primary source: California Medical Board, California Board of Registered Nursing

General business information for California medical-spa owners, current as of 2026 — not legal advice. State boards update rules often; confirm specifics with the California board (and your own counsel) before you act.

See the full California regulation profile →

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